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How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples

Published on January 11, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on August 15, 2023 by Eoghan Ryan.

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . It usually comes near the end of your introduction .

Your thesis will look a bit different depending on the type of essay you’re writing. But the thesis statement should always clearly state the main idea you want to get across. Everything else in your essay should relate back to this idea.

You can write your thesis statement by following four simple steps:

  • Start with a question
  • Write your initial answer
  • Develop your answer
  • Refine your thesis statement

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Table of contents

What is a thesis statement, placement of the thesis statement, step 1: start with a question, step 2: write your initial answer, step 3: develop your answer, step 4: refine your thesis statement, types of thesis statements, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about thesis statements.

A thesis statement summarizes the central points of your essay. It is a signpost telling the reader what the essay will argue and why.

The best thesis statements are:

  • Concise: A good thesis statement is short and sweet—don’t use more words than necessary. State your point clearly and directly in one or two sentences.
  • Contentious: Your thesis shouldn’t be a simple statement of fact that everyone already knows. A good thesis statement is a claim that requires further evidence or analysis to back it up.
  • Coherent: Everything mentioned in your thesis statement must be supported and explained in the rest of your paper.

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the best thesis statements are subtle and mysterious

The thesis statement generally appears at the end of your essay introduction or research paper introduction .

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts and among young people more generally is hotly debated. For many who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education: the internet facilitates easier access to information, exposure to different perspectives, and a flexible learning environment for both students and teachers.

You should come up with an initial thesis, sometimes called a working thesis , early in the writing process . As soon as you’ve decided on your essay topic , you need to work out what you want to say about it—a clear thesis will give your essay direction and structure.

You might already have a question in your assignment, but if not, try to come up with your own. What would you like to find out or decide about your topic?

For example, you might ask:

After some initial research, you can formulate a tentative answer to this question. At this stage it can be simple, and it should guide the research process and writing process .

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Now you need to consider why this is your answer and how you will convince your reader to agree with you. As you read more about your topic and begin writing, your answer should get more detailed.

In your essay about the internet and education, the thesis states your position and sketches out the key arguments you’ll use to support it.

The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education because it facilitates easier access to information.

In your essay about braille, the thesis statement summarizes the key historical development that you’ll explain.

The invention of braille in the 19th century transformed the lives of blind people, allowing them to participate more actively in public life.

A strong thesis statement should tell the reader:

  • Why you hold this position
  • What they’ll learn from your essay
  • The key points of your argument or narrative

The final thesis statement doesn’t just state your position, but summarizes your overall argument or the entire topic you’re going to explain. To strengthen a weak thesis statement, it can help to consider the broader context of your topic.

These examples are more specific and show that you’ll explore your topic in depth.

Your thesis statement should match the goals of your essay, which vary depending on the type of essay you’re writing:

  • In an argumentative essay , your thesis statement should take a strong position. Your aim in the essay is to convince your reader of this thesis based on evidence and logical reasoning.
  • In an expository essay , you’ll aim to explain the facts of a topic or process. Your thesis statement doesn’t have to include a strong opinion in this case, but it should clearly state the central point you want to make, and mention the key elements you’ll explain.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

  • It gives your writing direction and focus.
  • It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

Follow these four steps to come up with a thesis statement :

  • Ask a question about your topic .
  • Write your initial answer.
  • Develop your answer by including reasons.
  • Refine your answer, adding more detail and nuance.

The thesis statement should be placed at the end of your essay introduction .

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the best thesis statements are subtle and mysterious

How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement: 4 Steps + Examples

the best thesis statements are subtle and mysterious

What’s Covered:

What is the purpose of a thesis statement, writing a good thesis statement: 4 steps, common pitfalls to avoid, where to get your essay edited for free.

When you set out to write an essay, there has to be some kind of point to it, right? Otherwise, your essay would just be a big jumble of word salad that makes absolutely no sense. An essay needs a central point that ties into everything else. That main point is called a thesis statement, and it’s the core of any essay or research paper.

You may hear about Master degree candidates writing a thesis, and that is an entire paper–not to be confused with the thesis statement, which is typically one sentence that contains your paper’s focus. 

Read on to learn more about thesis statements and how to write them. We’ve also included some solid examples for you to reference.

Typically the last sentence of your introductory paragraph, the thesis statement serves as the roadmap for your essay. When your reader gets to the thesis statement, they should have a clear outline of your main point, as well as the information you’ll be presenting in order to either prove or support your point. 

The thesis statement should not be confused for a topic sentence , which is the first sentence of every paragraph in your essay. If you need help writing topic sentences, numerous resources are available. Topic sentences should go along with your thesis statement, though.

Since the thesis statement is the most important sentence of your entire essay or paper, it’s imperative that you get this part right. Otherwise, your paper will not have a good flow and will seem disjointed. That’s why it’s vital not to rush through developing one. It’s a methodical process with steps that you need to follow in order to create the best thesis statement possible.

Step 1: Decide what kind of paper you’re writing

When you’re assigned an essay, there are several different types you may get. Argumentative essays are designed to get the reader to agree with you on a topic. Informative or expository essays present information to the reader. Analytical essays offer up a point and then expand on it by analyzing relevant information. Thesis statements can look and sound different based on the type of paper you’re writing. For example:

  • Argumentative: The United States needs a viable third political party to decrease bipartisanship, increase options, and help reduce corruption in government.
  • Informative: The Libertarian party has thrown off elections before by gaining enough support in states to get on the ballot and by taking away crucial votes from candidates.
  • Analytical: An analysis of past presidential elections shows that while third party votes may have been the minority, they did affect the outcome of the elections in 2020, 2016, and beyond.

Step 2: Figure out what point you want to make

Once you know what type of paper you’re writing, you then need to figure out the point you want to make with your thesis statement, and subsequently, your paper. In other words, you need to decide to answer a question about something, such as:

  • What impact did reality TV have on American society?
  • How has the musical Hamilton affected perception of American history?
  • Why do I want to major in [chosen major here]?

If you have an argumentative essay, then you will be writing about an opinion. To make it easier, you may want to choose an opinion that you feel passionate about so that you’re writing about something that interests you. For example, if you have an interest in preserving the environment, you may want to choose a topic that relates to that. 

If you’re writing your college essay and they ask why you want to attend that school, you may want to have a main point and back it up with information, something along the lines of:

“Attending Harvard University would benefit me both academically and professionally, as it would give me a strong knowledge base upon which to build my career, develop my network, and hopefully give me an advantage in my chosen field.”

Step 3: Determine what information you’ll use to back up your point

Once you have the point you want to make, you need to figure out how you plan to back it up throughout the rest of your essay. Without this information, it will be hard to either prove or argue the main point of your thesis statement. If you decide to write about the Hamilton example, you may decide to address any falsehoods that the writer put into the musical, such as:

“The musical Hamilton, while accurate in many ways, leaves out key parts of American history, presents a nationalist view of founding fathers, and downplays the racism of the times.”

Once you’ve written your initial working thesis statement, you’ll then need to get information to back that up. For example, the musical completely leaves out Benjamin Franklin, portrays the founding fathers in a nationalist way that is too complimentary, and shows Hamilton as a staunch abolitionist despite the fact that his family likely did own slaves. 

Step 4: Revise and refine your thesis statement before you start writing

Read through your thesis statement several times before you begin to compose your full essay. You need to make sure the statement is ironclad, since it is the foundation of the entire paper. Edit it or have a peer review it for you to make sure everything makes sense and that you feel like you can truly write a paper on the topic. Once you’ve done that, you can then begin writing your paper.

When writing a thesis statement, there are some common pitfalls you should avoid so that your paper can be as solid as possible. Make sure you always edit the thesis statement before you do anything else. You also want to ensure that the thesis statement is clear and concise. Don’t make your reader hunt for your point. Finally, put your thesis statement at the end of the first paragraph and have your introduction flow toward that statement. Your reader will expect to find your statement in its traditional spot.

If you’re having trouble getting started, or need some guidance on your essay, there are tools available that can help you. CollegeVine offers a free peer essay review tool where one of your peers can read through your essay and provide you with valuable feedback. Getting essay feedback from a peer can help you wow your instructor or college admissions officer with an impactful essay that effectively illustrates your point.

the best thesis statements are subtle and mysterious

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How to write a thesis statement + examples

Thesis statement

What is a thesis statement?

Is a thesis statement a question, how do you write a good thesis statement, how do i know if my thesis statement is good, examples of thesis statements, helpful resources on how to write a thesis statement, frequently asked questions about writing a thesis statement, related articles.

A thesis statement is the main argument of your paper or thesis.

The thesis statement is one of the most important elements of any piece of academic writing . It is a brief statement of your paper’s main argument. Essentially, you are stating what you will be writing about.

You can see your thesis statement as an answer to a question. While it also contains the question, it should really give an answer to the question with new information and not just restate or reiterate it.

Your thesis statement is part of your introduction. Learn more about how to write a good thesis introduction in our introduction guide .

A thesis statement is not a question. A statement must be arguable and provable through evidence and analysis. While your thesis might stem from a research question, it should be in the form of a statement.

Tip: A thesis statement is typically 1-2 sentences. For a longer project like a thesis, the statement may be several sentences or a paragraph.

A good thesis statement needs to do the following:

  • Condense the main idea of your thesis into one or two sentences.
  • Answer your project’s main research question.
  • Clearly state your position in relation to the topic .
  • Make an argument that requires support or evidence.

Once you have written down a thesis statement, check if it fulfills the following criteria:

  • Your statement needs to be provable by evidence. As an argument, a thesis statement needs to be debatable.
  • Your statement needs to be precise. Do not give away too much information in the thesis statement and do not load it with unnecessary information.
  • Your statement cannot say that one solution is simply right or simply wrong as a matter of fact. You should draw upon verified facts to persuade the reader of your solution, but you cannot just declare something as right or wrong.

As previously mentioned, your thesis statement should answer a question.

If the question is:

What do you think the City of New York should do to reduce traffic congestion?

A good thesis statement restates the question and answers it:

In this paper, I will argue that the City of New York should focus on providing exclusive lanes for public transport and adaptive traffic signals to reduce traffic congestion by the year 2035.

Here is another example. If the question is:

How can we end poverty?

A good thesis statement should give more than one solution to the problem in question:

In this paper, I will argue that introducing universal basic income can help reduce poverty and positively impact the way we work.

  • The Writing Center of the University of North Carolina has a list of questions to ask to see if your thesis is strong .

A thesis statement is part of the introduction of your paper. It is usually found in the first or second paragraph to let the reader know your research purpose from the beginning.

In general, a thesis statement should have one or two sentences. But the length really depends on the overall length of your project. Take a look at our guide about the length of thesis statements for more insight on this topic.

Here is a list of Thesis Statement Examples that will help you understand better how to write them.

Every good essay should include a thesis statement as part of its introduction, no matter the academic level. Of course, if you are a high school student you are not expected to have the same type of thesis as a PhD student.

Here is a great YouTube tutorial showing How To Write An Essay: Thesis Statements .

the best thesis statements are subtle and mysterious

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Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements

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Tips for Writing Your Thesis Statement

1. Determine what kind of paper you are writing:

  • An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience.
  • An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience.
  • An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence. The claim could be an opinion, a policy proposal, an evaluation, a cause-and-effect statement, or an interpretation. The goal of the argumentative paper is to convince the audience that the claim is true based on the evidence provided.

If you are writing a text that does not fall under these three categories (e.g., a narrative), a thesis statement somewhere in the first paragraph could still be helpful to your reader.

2. Your thesis statement should be specific—it should cover only what you will discuss in your paper and should be supported with specific evidence.

3. The thesis statement usually appears at the end of the first paragraph of a paper.

4. Your topic may change as you write, so you may need to revise your thesis statement to reflect exactly what you have discussed in the paper.

Thesis Statement Examples

Example of an analytical thesis statement:

The paper that follows should:

  • Explain the analysis of the college admission process
  • Explain the challenge facing admissions counselors

Example of an expository (explanatory) thesis statement:

  • Explain how students spend their time studying, attending class, and socializing with peers

Example of an argumentative thesis statement:

  • Present an argument and give evidence to support the claim that students should pursue community projects before entering college

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the best thesis statements are subtle and mysterious

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Writing a Paper: Thesis Statements

Basics of thesis statements.

The thesis statement is the brief articulation of your paper's central argument and purpose. You might hear it referred to as simply a "thesis." Every scholarly paper should have a thesis statement, and strong thesis statements are concise, specific, and arguable. Concise means the thesis is short: perhaps one or two sentences for a shorter paper. Specific means the thesis deals with a narrow and focused topic, appropriate to the paper's length. Arguable means that a scholar in your field could disagree (or perhaps already has!).

Strong thesis statements address specific intellectual questions, have clear positions, and use a structure that reflects the overall structure of the paper. Read on to learn more about constructing a strong thesis statement.

Being Specific

This thesis statement has no specific argument:

Needs Improvement: In this essay, I will examine two scholarly articles to find similarities and differences.

This statement is concise, but it is neither specific nor arguable—a reader might wonder, "Which scholarly articles? What is the topic of this paper? What field is the author writing in?" Additionally, the purpose of the paper—to "examine…to find similarities and differences" is not of a scholarly level. Identifying similarities and differences is a good first step, but strong academic argument goes further, analyzing what those similarities and differences might mean or imply.

Better: In this essay, I will argue that Bowler's (2003) autocratic management style, when coupled with Smith's (2007) theory of social cognition, can reduce the expenses associated with employee turnover.

The new revision here is still concise, as well as specific and arguable.  We can see that it is specific because the writer is mentioning (a) concrete ideas and (b) exact authors.  We can also gather the field (business) and the topic (management and employee turnover). The statement is arguable because the student goes beyond merely comparing; he or she draws conclusions from that comparison ("can reduce the expenses associated with employee turnover").

Making a Unique Argument

This thesis draft repeats the language of the writing prompt without making a unique argument:

Needs Improvement: The purpose of this essay is to monitor, assess, and evaluate an educational program for its strengths and weaknesses. Then, I will provide suggestions for improvement.

You can see here that the student has simply stated the paper's assignment, without articulating specifically how he or she will address it. The student can correct this error simply by phrasing the thesis statement as a specific answer to the assignment prompt.

Better: Through a series of student interviews, I found that Kennedy High School's antibullying program was ineffective. In order to address issues of conflict between students, I argue that Kennedy High School should embrace policies outlined by the California Department of Education (2010).

Words like "ineffective" and "argue" show here that the student has clearly thought through the assignment and analyzed the material; he or she is putting forth a specific and debatable position. The concrete information ("student interviews," "antibullying") further prepares the reader for the body of the paper and demonstrates how the student has addressed the assignment prompt without just restating that language.

Creating a Debate

This thesis statement includes only obvious fact or plot summary instead of argument:

Needs Improvement: Leadership is an important quality in nurse educators.

A good strategy to determine if your thesis statement is too broad (and therefore, not arguable) is to ask yourself, "Would a scholar in my field disagree with this point?" Here, we can see easily that no scholar is likely to argue that leadership is an unimportant quality in nurse educators.  The student needs to come up with a more arguable claim, and probably a narrower one; remember that a short paper needs a more focused topic than a dissertation.

Better: Roderick's (2009) theory of participatory leadership  is particularly appropriate to nurse educators working within the emergency medicine field, where students benefit most from collegial and kinesthetic learning.

Here, the student has identified a particular type of leadership ("participatory leadership"), narrowing the topic, and has made an arguable claim (this type of leadership is "appropriate" to a specific type of nurse educator). Conceivably, a scholar in the nursing field might disagree with this approach. The student's paper can now proceed, providing specific pieces of evidence to support the arguable central claim.

Choosing the Right Words

This thesis statement uses large or scholarly-sounding words that have no real substance:

Needs Improvement: Scholars should work to seize metacognitive outcomes by harnessing discipline-based networks to empower collaborative infrastructures.

There are many words in this sentence that may be buzzwords in the student's field or key terms taken from other texts, but together they do not communicate a clear, specific meaning. Sometimes students think scholarly writing means constructing complex sentences using special language, but actually it's usually a stronger choice to write clear, simple sentences. When in doubt, remember that your ideas should be complex, not your sentence structure.

Better: Ecologists should work to educate the U.S. public on conservation methods by making use of local and national green organizations to create a widespread communication plan.

Notice in the revision that the field is now clear (ecology), and the language has been made much more field-specific ("conservation methods," "green organizations"), so the reader is able to see concretely the ideas the student is communicating.

Leaving Room for Discussion

This thesis statement is not capable of development or advancement in the paper:

Needs Improvement: There are always alternatives to illegal drug use.

This sample thesis statement makes a claim, but it is not a claim that will sustain extended discussion. This claim is the type of claim that might be appropriate for the conclusion of a paper, but in the beginning of the paper, the student is left with nowhere to go. What further points can be made? If there are "always alternatives" to the problem the student is identifying, then why bother developing a paper around that claim? Ideally, a thesis statement should be complex enough to explore over the length of the entire paper.

Better: The most effective treatment plan for methamphetamine addiction may be a combination of pharmacological and cognitive therapy, as argued by Baker (2008), Smith (2009), and Xavier (2011).

In the revised thesis, you can see the student make a specific, debatable claim that has the potential to generate several pages' worth of discussion. When drafting a thesis statement, think about the questions your thesis statement will generate: What follow-up inquiries might a reader have? In the first example, there are almost no additional questions implied, but the revised example allows for a good deal more exploration.

Thesis Mad Libs

If you are having trouble getting started, try using the models below to generate a rough model of a thesis statement! These models are intended for drafting purposes only and should not appear in your final work.

  • In this essay, I argue ____, using ______ to assert _____.
  • While scholars have often argued ______, I argue______, because_______.
  • Through an analysis of ______, I argue ______, which is important because_______.

Words to Avoid and to Embrace

When drafting your thesis statement, avoid words like explore, investigate, learn, compile, summarize , and explain to describe the main purpose of your paper. These words imply a paper that summarizes or "reports," rather than synthesizing and analyzing.

Instead of the terms above, try words like argue, critique, question , and interrogate . These more analytical words may help you begin strongly, by articulating a specific, critical, scholarly position.

Read Kayla's blog post for tips on taking a stand in a well-crafted thesis statement.

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Everything You Need to Know About Thesis Statement

Deeptanshu D

Table of Contents

Thesis-Statement

Persuasion is a skill that every human leverages to achieve their goals. For example, you persuade your friends to join you on some trip, your parents to purchase you an automobile, and your committee or audience to provide you approval for your research proposal.

Likewise, every scholarly task is aimed to persuade your readers or audience for certain goals. And the end goal is to incline the readers towards your perspective (facts and evidence-based). So, the act of convincing readers of your viewpoints via research work is often termed academic argument, and it follows a predetermined pattern of guidelines-based writing. After providing a comprehensive introduction to the research topic, you are supposed to state your perspective on the topic in a sentence or two, known as Thesis Statement . It summarizes the argument you will make throughout the paper.

Also, the Thesis Statement often serves as an answer to your research question. Thus, the thesis statement is a must for every research paper and scholarly work.

What is Thesis Statement?

what-is-thesis-statement

A Thesis Statement:

  • Describes how you interpret the subject matter's cause, significance, and results.
  • Is a guideline for the paper. In other words, it provides an understanding of the research topic.
  • Directly answers the question you are asked. The thesis is not the question itself but an interpretation of it. For example, a thesis can be about World War II, and it should also provide a way to understand the war.
  • Claims that other people might disagree with.
  • Is a single sentence at the beginning of your paper or near the end of the first para (where you present your argument to the reader). The body of the essay is the rest of the paper. It gathers and organizes evidence to support your argument.

A thesis statement should be concise and easily understandable. Use it as a magnet to attract your readers to keep them reading your paper till the end.

What is the purpose or the goal of the thesis statement?

The real purpose of the thesis statement is:

  • To establish a gateway through which your readers can make an entrance into your research paper.
  • To bring the entire research paper together to an epicenter of various arguments provided throughout the paper.

Simply put, the goal of writing a strong thesis statement is to make your research paper appear interesting enough for the readers to understand it and prove your arguments right completely.

Additionally, the goal of the thesis statement varies from the kind of research you are presenting. If your thesis provides some claims, justifications, or study, you should present an argumentative thesis statement . However, if your thesis is based on analysis, interpretation, demonstration of cause and effect, comparisons, and contrast, you should develop a persuasive thesis statement.

What is the length of an Ideal Thesis Statement?

You should write your thesis statement in 1-2 sentences. Ideally, it should not be more than 50 words in total.

Also, you should try inserting the thesis statement at the end of the topic introduction or just before the background information.

While writing your thesis statement, be mindful that a thesis statement is never meant to be factual. Your thesis statement is one of the most important elements of your thesis that will help your audience understand what you discuss throughout your paper. So, ensure that your thesis statement must appear like an arguable statement, not a factual one.

Many early researchers or young scholars choose to write factual statements as thesis statements as they are easy to prove. However, resorting to factual statements instead of arguable ones will overshadow your analytical and critical thinking skills, which readers anticipate in your paper.

How to Start a Thesis Statement?

how-to-start-a-thesis-statement

The thesis statement is an outline of your research topic in one sentence. Therefore, you must write it in a concise and catchy style. So, here are a few quick tips that help you understand how to start a thesis statement for a research paper:

Discover Your Research Question

Once the subject matter is finalized for writing a research paper, the next requirement is to figure out the research question. While formulating your research question, make sure that it shows the gaps in the current field of study and should serve as a primary interrogation point for your research.

Figure out the answer and develop your argument

Carry out intensive research to determine the perfect answer for your research question. Your answer should further guide you to structure your entire research paper and its content flow.

For example, if you write an argumentative paper, craft your opinion and create an argument. Then, develop your claim against the topics you want to cover and justify it through various data & facts.

Establish back-up for your Answer with Evidence

The more you research, the more you will learn about the variations in the research answer that you were trying to formulate. Similarly, with various sources and newer evidence coming up, you should be able to make an answer that should stand coherently, correctly, relevant, and justified enough. The answer should enhance the reader’s understanding of your paper from beginning to end.

How to determine if my thesis statement is strong?

find-the-right-thesis-Statement

Make a self-evaluation of your thesis statement and check if it stands the following interrogation:

  • Does it answer the question?

Re-read to understand the question prompt to ensure that your answer or the thesis statement itself doesn't skip the focus of the question. Try rephrasing it if you feel that the question prompt is not structured or appropriately discussed.

  • Does my thesis statement appear like an argument (for or against)?

Suppose you have chosen to present the facts and rationality behind it in the best way possible and assume that no one would or could ever disagree with it. It indicates that you've presented a summary instead of presenting an argument. So, always pick an opinion from the topic and justify your arguments backed with various evidence.

  • Is the Thesis Statement explicit and specific?

It may lack a strong argument if you have written a very general statement or vaguely crafted a thesis statement. Your audience will figure it out instantly.

Therefore, if you have used words like “good’’ or “bad,” try to put it more specifically by answering and figuring out “Why something is good”? Or ''What makes something good or bad”?

  • Does it clear the “So What” test?

After reading any research paper, the prompt question that pops up from a reader's mind is, "So What?". Now, if your thesis statement urges the reader with such questions, you need to develop a strong argument or relationship that bridges your research topic to a more significant real-world problem.

  • Does it go beyond the “How” and “Why” assessments?

After going through your thesis statement, if the readers come up with questions like "How" and 'Why," it indicates that your statement failed to provide the reader with the critical insights to understand your thesis statement and is too open-ended. So, you must provide your readers with the best statement explaining the introduction's real significance and the impending need for further research.

Thesis Statement Examples

Follow through with some interesting and creative thesis statements to clarify your doubts and better understand the concept.

Example 1: Social Media affects public awareness both positively and negatively

Yeah, it does answer the question. However, the answer is pretty vague and generic as it shows the effects both positively and negatively.

Not accurately. The statement can be argued only with the people having opinions either on positive or the negative aspect. Therefore, it fails to address every section of the audience.

  • Is the Thesis statement specific enough?

Not exactly. This thesis statement doesn't provide any details on positive and negative impacts.

No, not at all. The thesis statement stated above provides no clarifications over how the positive or negative impacts build up or the factors that build up such impacts.

Again, No. It fails to justify why anyone should bother about the impacts, be it positive or negative.

A stronger and alternate version for the above thesis statement can be:

Since not every piece of information provided on social media is credible and reliable enough, users have become avid consumers of critical information and, therefore, more informed.

Even though the above thesis statement is lengthy, it answers every question and provides details over cause, effect, and critical aspects that readers can easily challenge.

Example 2: Analytical Thesis Statement

  • Water is extremely important for human survival, but consuming contaminated water poses many health risks.
  • The hibernation period is one of the most important periods in animals for healthy well-being. Still, it renders them in a state of weakness and exposed to external and environmental threats.

Example 3: Argumentative Thesis Statement

  • At the end of the nineteenth century, French women lawyers experienced misogynist attacks from male lawyers when they attempted to enter the legal profession because male lawyers wanted to keep women out of judgeships.
  • High levels of alcohol consumption have detrimental effects on your health, such as weight gain, heart disease, and liver complications.

Tips for writing a Strong Thesis Statement

tips-to-write-a-strong-Thesis-Statement

A strong thesis statement is the foremost requirement of academic writing, and it holds greater importance when written for research papers. However, it becomes more crucial when you want your readers to get convinced of your opinions or perspective of the subject matter.

Below are some pro-tips that can help you crack the code of how to write a strong thesis statement, especially for research papers, thesis, and dissertations:

Keep it specific

Readers often get disappointed and confused when you present a weak argument based on a generic thesis statement. To develop a strong thesis statement, focus on one key aspect and develop it further.

Keep it simple and clear

The essence of your entire research paper is dependent on your thesis statement. Also, a strong thesis statement stays hinged over the clarity it provides. Therefore, don't disrupt the meaning or clarity of your research paper by using some jargonish words or complexing it by combining different concepts.

Ingrain your opinions

Your thesis statement should explicitly display your opinion or position for the subject matter under discussion. Your reader wants to understand your position in detail and the factors you will justify with evidence and facts.

Make it unique and Original

Your audience or the readers have gone through the subject matter several times in their careers. Hence, you must present your thesis statement in a unique and completely original form. Never use generic statements; grow some risk-taking capability and surprise your readers.

Keep it Concise and Coherent

Your thesis statement can be considered good only if it is concise yet informational. Don’t make it wordy in any case, and never go beyond more than 50 words.

Additionally, your research paper will discuss many aspects of a topic. Still, in the end, every single aspect should come together to form a coherent whole, addressing, explaining, and justifying the research question.

Conclusion: How to write a Thesis Statement?

A strong thesis statement is the one of the most important elements of your research paper. The thesis statement always serves as a pillar that carries the entire load of a research paper and it’s several sections.

Whether your research paper is worthy of your audience time or not, entirely hinges upon your thesis statement. A thesis statement always depicts the plan for the research but a good thesis statement reflects your opinions, viewpoints and of course the trajectory that it sets for the entire paper.

So, always try to write a good thesis statement by carefully following its structure, about which we have already discussed.

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Creating a Clear Thesis Statement

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  • Choosing the Best Sources
  • Using Sources Effectively
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Writers must consider readers' expectations. For example, readers typically expect a written text that is organized and cohesive. One way of helping readers understand the organization and cohesion of ideas within a text is by including a clear thesis statement. Without a clear thesis statement, readers will not know what to expect in a text, they will struggle to follow ideas, and they might feel that the writer is unsure of his/her purpose for writing.

Summarized Explanation

  • End an introduction with a thesis statement.
  • Avoid using first-person perspective in a thesis statement.
  • Create a concise thesis statement that is ideally one sentence long.
  • Include a main statement and at least three key ideas to form the thesis statement.

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Detailed Explanation

For starters, it is important to note that a thesis statement may take different forms depending on the type of text, and sometimes a thesis statement will be subtle. However, most written texts can benefit from a strong, distinct thesis statement at the very end of the introductory section. A thesis statement should ideally be a single sentence that presents a writer’s main statement about a topic along with at least three key ideas that will be used to prove the statement. Furthermore, it is best to avoid first-person perspective (I think, I feel, I believe), which can make the statement sound too informal. Lastly, a thesis statement serves as a road map for a written text, so the order of ideas presented in the thesis statement should be mirrored in the body section of the text.

Examples (all using the same general topic of this writing guide)

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This writing guide will likely have a far-reaching effect since it is intended to support people who are writing for school, work, and ministry.  

Consider using the Thesis Generator tool as a first step in creating a thesis statement with a main statement and three key ideas.

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How to Write a Thesis Statement in 5 Steps

Brendaw Waller

July 22, 2024

Read Time: 6 min

How to Write a Thesis Statement in 5 Steps

A thesis statement is one line that tells what your paper or essay is about and why it is important. It’s often near the end of your opening.

If you’re writing a different kind of essay, your thesis will look a little different. But the main idea you want to get across should always be clear in the thesis statement. Your whole writing should be built around this one idea.

In this guide, you will learn what is a thesis statement, thesis statement template, types of thesis statement, and examples.

What is a Thesis Statement ?

A thesis statement tells what your essay is about and what it says. In other words, it tells the reader what the essay will argue and why. These are the best thesis statements:

Contentious: You shouldn’t just say something that everyone already knows as your argument. You should make a claim in your thesis statement that needs more proof or analysis to back it up.

Concise: Don’t use more words than you need to in a thesis statement; keep it short and sweet. One or two lines should make your point clear and to the point.

Coherent: Your thesis statement must be backed up by and explain everything in the rest of your work.

Why is a Thesis Statement Important ?

You should have a thesis statement in your article or letter of continued interest. Why is that? In an essay or letter that keeps people interested, a thesis statement tells them what the essay or letter is about and how to get around it. Like a nail in your paper, it holds everything together. It’s not enough to just restate the topic in your thesis; it should also have something to do with the question or statement you’re answering. This is your chance to

  • Talk about the main idea of your writing first.
  • Show the reader the way your case will go so they can follow it.
  • Make your point clear and full of specifics.
  • Help you organize your writing well.

The thesis statement should be the main point of your essay. You make every other point to support it. A strong thesis statement also helps you organize your thoughts and pick out the most important things to write about in your essay.

Types of Thesis Statements

There are different ways to write a thesis statement based on the goal of the essay. Here are some popular types of thesis statements:

Types of Thesis Statements

Breaks a subject down into its parts and rates them.

“By looking at symbols and how characters change over time, Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’ explores the theme of society’s moral decline.”

Argumentative

Takes a stand on a difficult issue and gives reasons or proof to back it up.

“To protect public safety and cut down on mass shootings, the government should pass stricter gun control laws.”

Comparative

Compare two or more things to show how they are alike or different.

“Both cats and dogs are great pets, but dogs need more care and attention because they are more active and need to run around.”

Cause and effect

Finds the link between what you do and what happens.

“Young adults feel lonely and isolated because they don’t spend as much time with their friends in person because so many of them have smartphones.”

Descriptive

This gives an outline or brief explanation of a subject. 

“The intricate craftsmanship and religious symbolism of the Middle Ages are shown in the Gothic architecture of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.”

Explanatory

Gives an explanation of what a subject means.

It is said that the Industrial Revolution changed economies, social systems, and everyday life in a big way.

Tells a story or a list of events that happened.

“My journey to overcome hardship and pursue higher education is proof of the strength of the human spirit.”

Tips for Writing a Good Thesis Statement

People often mix up the thesis statement with the topic sentence, which starts a paragraph. Both of these sentences introduce the key idea that will be discussed later. Use these tips to make sure that your thesis statement states what your whole paper is about.

  • Make sure your thesis statement is clear and to the point, and that it makes your main point very clearly.
  • For a focused and targeted case, talk about a certain part of the topic.
  • To make a clear point, write your thesis as a clear statement instead of a question.
  • Don’t go into too much detail; just get to the point of your case.
  • Give an outline of the important ideas or arguments that you will be talking about in your paper.
  • Make it clear what you think about the subject, whether you agree with, disagree with, or are trying to understand an idea.
  • Keep your thesis’s tone formal and objective, and don’t use any emotional words.
  • Keep in mind that your thesis may change as you do more research and analysis and gain new ideas.
  • Review and change your thesis statement often to make sure it fits with how the rest of your paper is developing.

Now you know the type of thesis statements, let’s learn how to write a good thesis statement. 

How to Write a Thesis Statement?

After going through the basic tips on how to write a good thesis statement, let us now move on to a step-by-step guide for making one. If you want to pay someone to write your essay from scratch, you can get our help with just one click.

How to Write a Thesis Statement

Step 1: Choose Topic

It is very important to pick a topic for your thesis statement that you are truly interested in. This will help you stay motivated as you do your study and write. Think about how broad or small your topic is. It should be just right. Think about it:

  • What aspects of my field of study really interest me?
  • Can the topic be covered in a thesis? If not, is it too broad or too narrow?
  • What does my topic add to the debates or information that already exists in my field?
  • Are there any new information or trends that I can look into that are linked to this topic?

Step 2: Do Research & Analysis

While you’re gathering information, think about how credible, reliable, and relevant each source is to your theory. Find patterns, links, and holes in the current research that you can fill with your own ideas. Think about these things:

  • What are the most important ideas, theories, or opinions about my subject?
  • Are there different points of view or holes in the research that I need to fill?
  • What studies, or literature have already been done that I can use to back up my thesis?
  • How can I evaluate and seriously think about the sources I find to make sure they are relevant and reliable?
  • Do you know of any methods or ways I can use to learn more about my topic and get new insights?

Step 3: Figure out a position

After you identify the topic and complete your research, the next step is to make a clear argument that you are going to defend in your paper. For instance if you choose a topic on healthcare policy, you have to identify the argument relevant to the effectiveness of a specific healthcare reform initiative backed up by the proof from your research. 

Or, in a literary analysis thesis, you could say what you think about how to understand a book’s themes or characters and use evidence from the text to back up your point of view. You might want to think about the following in each case:

  • What evidence supports my viewpoint from my research?
  • Should my thesis statement address counterarguments?
  • How does my perspective contribute to my field’s discussion or understanding?
  • Does my thesis statement express my opinion in a few phrases while providing room for debate? 

Step 4: Write a thesis statement

The next step is to craft a debatable and compelling thesis statement. You should avoid unclear and lengthy statements because they don’t provide any clear direction or information to reader. 

Here are some thesis statement examples:

Non-Debatable Statements:

  • The Earth is round.
  • Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius at sea level.
  • Gravity exists.
  • The human heart is located on the left side of the chest.
  • All living things need water to survive.

Debatable Statements:

  • The death penalty is an effective deterrent to crime.
  • Social media has a negative impact on mental health.
  • Artificial intelligence poses a serious threat to humanity.
  • Universal basic income is the solution to poverty.
  • Genetically modified organisms are safe for human consumption.

Step 5: Give direction and scope

After coming up with a thesis statement that can be argued, it’s important to make it clear what your thesis is about and where it’s going. This step tells your readers what to expect and helps you know what to look for and write.

If your thesis statement is about how technology changes education, you could say that your study will be mostly about how teaching apps are used in elementary schools.

For a thesis on mental health stigma, you could say that your study will look at how mental illness is portrayed in the media and how that affects how people think about it.

If your thesis statement talks about how well a certain marketing strategy works, you could say that your analysis will focus on how it is used in a certain business.

Good Thesis Statement Examples

Let’s have a look at good thesis statement examples:

  • Subject : The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
  • Thesis Statement : In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald criticizes the emptiness of the American Dream in the 1920s despite its glamorous portrayal.
  • Subject : The French Revolution
  • Thesis Statement : The French Revolution was driven primarily by economic inequality and resentment toward the monarchy, although Enlightenment ideas also played a role.
  • Subject : The impact of social media on adolescent brain development
  • Thesis Statement : Excessive social media use among adolescents can harm cognitive function, emotional regulation, and self-esteem due to increased social comparison and dependency on dopamine.
  • Subject : The effectiveness of mindfulness meditation for reducing stress
  • Thesis Statement : Regular mindfulness meditation reduces stress by encouraging awareness of the present moment and acceptance of thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Art History

  • Subject : Guernica by Pablo Picasso
  • Thesis Statement : Pablo Picasso’s Guernica, with its fragmented forms and distorted images, is a powerful condemnation of the civilian suffering during the Spanish Civil War.
  • Subject : The impact of social media on political polarization
  • Thesis Statement : Social media algorithms that create echo chambers and confirm biases contribute significantly to political polarization by reducing exposure to diverse viewpoints and fostering hostility toward opposing opinions.

Final Thoughts

Your thesis statement isn’t just a sentence—it’s the heart of your writing. It keeps your work on track and grabs the reader’s attention. The better you can express your ideas in your thesis, the more memorable your writing will be.

A strong thesis statement is crucial. It can make your work stand out and reach its full potential.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: how long should a thesis statement be .

Ans. There is no set length for a thesis statement. A good thesis statement usually has between 20 and 50 words. One paragraph is another length that works for a thesis statement. Anything longer than that is most likely too long.

Q2: How many sentences are in a thesis statement ?

Ans. A thesis statement must be one line long, no matter how many words it has. Being clear in your writing is more important than following these rules.

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How to write a thesis statement

Published March 20, 2021. Updated May 1, 2022.

Thesis Statement Definition

A thesis statement is the main claim that you are making in your paper.

Overview of Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is usually one sentence and is located near the beginning of your paper, usually at the end of your introduction paragraph. It tells your readers what stance you take on an issue. Most of the time, when you are writing a paper, you will be responding to a prompt. Analyzing the prompt is essential in making sure your thesis statement actually addresses the question you are trying to answer. The thesis statement needs to directly answer this prompt in a focused and specific way. Some thesis statements also acts as a guide for your paper by telling readers the order in which premises will appear in the paper. This can help the reader be prepared for what you are going to say and to anticipate some of the ideas that you may write about.

Worried about your writing? Submit your paper for a Chegg Writing essay check , or for an Expert Check proofreading . Both can help you find and fix potential writing issues.

Steps in Writing a Strong Thesis Statement

Writing a thesis statement can feel overwhelming at first, but by following these steps, you can make the process less daunting.

Step 1: Analyze the Assignment Prompt

While it seems simple, analyzing the prompt is essential in making sure your thesis statement actually supports the question you are trying to answer. If you are given a prompt by your instructor, read it carefully several times. You may want to underline or circle key action words like “claim” or “analyze” and key terms from your class. Then, try to rewrite it in your own words. Even if it doesn’t sound perfect, putting it your own words will ensure that you really understand what it is asking.

Example assignment prompt: In a well-developed essay, explain how writers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, as well as Enlightenment ideas, sparked the French Revolution.

Rewritten in your own words: Write a clear, well supported essay. This essay will not only be about HOW the French Revolution started, but it will be on ideas and writings (not events), specifically those of John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Be sure to include other ideas from the Enlightenment.

At this point you will hopefully have a basic answer to the question presented in the prompt. It is okay if you don’t know exactly how to answer it, but you should jot down a simple answer to help you begin your writing.

Step 2: Do Your Research

A strong thesis statement will be clear and specific, and it will be later supported by evidence from your research. You won’t be able to write a statement like this until you do your research.

The research will look different depending on your task. If you are writing a literary analysis essay, you may need to search the text and identify important plot events, character changes, and quotations. This research may feel a lot like brainstorming. If you are writing an argumentative essay, you may need to find articles and books in the library or in databases.

While researching your topic, keep the assignment prompt and your general answer in mind. Try to see if your research supports your initial idea or if you will need to revise your idea based on the information you find.

Step 3: Narrow Your Focus

Chances are, after you complete your research, you will have more information than you need. Now is the time to look at all of the evidence, data, and sources you collected, and determine what relates specifically to your assignment prompt and your general answer and what does not. If you have irrelevant information, put it to the side and save it in case it becomes relevant later.

Next, try to categorize the research you have into a few distinct groups. If your prompt asks you to compare and contrast, you may sort based on similarities or differences. If your prompt asks you to analyze the character development of a character in a novel, you might create your categories based on changes in that character.

Step 4: Write the “Working Thesis”

Now that you understand the prompt and have completed thorough research, draft a version of your thesis. This statement is often called a “working thesis” because you will likely revise it several times throughout the writing process. Try to be clear and specific, answer the prompt directly, and state a claim you will prove in the rest of your writing.

Revising Your Thesis Statement

After you have written the first draft of your essay, it is time to go back and make sure your thesis statement still matches what you actually wrote about. Reread your thesis statement and the topic sentence of each paragraph. Make sure that all of the topic sentences directly support the thesis and that the thesis statement encompasses the ideas you presented in your body paragraphs. If you find that they don’t perfectly align, you may need to revise your thesis statement to match what you wrote.

Now is also a good time to make sure your thesis statement uses effective language. Make sure you have used active verbs instead of passive and that your tone is professional and academic. If you have words like “very” or “extremely,” you could replace them with stronger and more specific options like “significant” or “acutely.”

Examples of Working Thesis Statements and Thesis Statements

Let’s take a look at a few examples of working thesis statements and thesis statements. For this first example, your assignment prompt asked you to discuss the impact of reading on children. After a bit of research, you may land on the following idea:

It is important for children to read often when they are in early elementary school.

This statement is a good working thesis, but it is not strong enough to be your final draft. It does make a claim, but it is vague and does not provide a roadmap for the reader. It also does not discuss the impact of reading. Why is it important for children to read? What are the benefits of children reading? A stronger thesis statement might say:

Children who read often in early elementary school develop strong vocabularies and improve their reading comprehension skills, increasing their confidence in reading increasingly complex texts.

This revised thesis is more focused, is likely based on research, and helps readers see the key ideas you will discuss in the paper.

Now imagine that your professor has asked you to write an essay on the role of language in George Orwell’s 1984. After you have read through your notes, read the novel, and brainstormed ideas, you may decide on the following working thesis:

Control of language is used as a source of power in 1984.

This working thesis is a good start for your brainstorming and your outline. From here, you would want to consider how language is used as a source of power and why it is used that way. A revised thesis might read:

In George Orwell’s 1984 , the Party manipulates citizens into total submission to the Party’s ideals through Newspeak, propaganda, and altered history.

This thesis statement provides a clear guide to writing. It uses active verbs (e.g., “the Party manipulates”) and clear details of language (e.g., Newspeak, propaganda, altered history) from the novel.

Before you turn in that paper, don’t forget to cite your sources in APA format , MLA format , or a style of your choice.

Key Takeaways

  • The purpose of a thesis statement is to tell your readers what claim you will be proving in your paper.
  • To write a thesis statement, first analyze your prompt or identify a topic, then do your research, and finally write a “working thesis.”
  • Be sure your thesis is clear, is direct, and makes a claim that you can support throughout your paper.
  • Revise your thesis after you finish your first draft, adding detail to your claim and replacing weaker vocabulary choices with stronger ones.

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How To Write A Thesis Statement That Grabs Attention

Stuck at the very beginning of your research work and can’t figure out how to write a thesis statement? This guide is for you. 

Table of Contents

A thesis statement is the backbone of your academic paper. It serves as a roadmap for both the readers and the writers. However, a powerful thesis statement does more than just guide – it grabs the reader’s attention and sets the tone for the entire essay. Universities in Canada put great emphasis on effective thesis statements. Let’s explore this in depth.

What Is A Thesis Statement?

A thesis statement is a concise and specific sentence or two that summarizes the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, or any other piece of academic writing. It serves as the central focus and guiding idea for the entire work.

Make sure that you understand the differences between a dissertation and a thesis , as their requirements for a thesis statement may differ a bit.

Characteristics Of A Thesis Statement

  • Clarity: A well-crafted thesis statement clearly communicates the main idea of the paper. It should avoid ambiguity and ensure that the reader understands the writer’s stance on the topic.
  • Specificity: The thesis statement should be precise and focused. It should address a particular aspect of the topic and avoid broad or general statements.
  • Debatable: A strong thesis statement presents an argument or a perspective that can be debated or challenged. It should not be a statement of fact but rather an assertion that requires support and evidence.
  • Relevance: The thesis statement should be directly related to the topic of the essay. It provides a roadmap for what the reader can expect to find in the rest of the paper.
  • Conciseness: Ideally, a thesis statement is a brief and to-the-point expression of the main idea. It typically appears in the introduction of the paper and is usually one or two sentences long.

Step-By-Step Guide On How To Write A Thesis Statement

Writing a compelling thesis statement is a crucial skill for any academic or research paper . It serves as the foundation of your entire paper, as it encapsulates the main idea and provides a roadmap for your readers. Here is a step-by-step guide explaining how to write a thesis statement for beginners. 

Step 1: Understand The Assignment

Before writing a thesis statement, it is crucial to understand the assignment thoroughly. Carefully read through the guidelines provided by your instructor or institution. Identify the key elements, such as the purpose of the assignment, the expected length, and other necessary requirements. Adhere to the location standards, such as knowing how to write dates.  

You also have to comprehend the type of paper you are writing. Is it an informative essay, an argumentative paper, or a comparative analysis? Each type of paper may require a different approach to formulating the thesis statement, so clarity on the assignment’s nature is the first step toward success.

Step 2: Identify Your Topic

Once you clearly understand the assignment, the next step is to identify your topic. Choose a subject that aligns with the assignment’s requirements and resonates with your interests. The more passionate you are about the topic, the easier it will be to engage your readers.

Consider the scope of your topic and define its boundaries. It will be the base for your hypothesis . Be specific in your choice and avoid overly broad or narrow subjects. If your assignment allows for flexibility, take the opportunity to explore a unique angle or perspective that adds depth to your thesis statement.

Step 3: Do Your Research

Research is the backbone of any well-crafted thesis statement. You need it to write the entire paper and your literature review. Take a look into academic journals, books, online databases, and other reputable sources to gather information and evidence that supports your chosen topic. As you collect data, take note of key findings, relevant quotes, and any contrasting perspectives that can contribute to a great thesis statement.

Furthermore, make sure to organize your research systematically. Create an outline that highlights the main points and arguments you want to address. This will not only streamline the writing process but also ensure that your thesis statement is backed by solid evidence.

Step 4: Revise And Refine

With your research in hand, it is time to start drafting your thesis statement. Begin with a preliminary version. Ensure that you capture the main idea of your paper in a single sentence. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different phrasings and structures until you find the one that best encapsulates your argument.

Moreover, once you have a working thesis statement, seek feedback from peers, mentors, or instructors. Their perspectives can offer valuable insights and help you identify any weaknesses or areas for improvement. Revise your thesis statement accordingly.  

A good thesis statement is one that is clear, concise, and effectively communicates your main argument.

Step 5: Finalize Your Research Statement

The final step in crafting a thesis statement is to refine your research question. Your thesis statement should not only present your main argument but also guide the direction of your research. Ensure that your statement aligns with the scope of your paper and is specific enough to be addressed within the given constraints.

Consider the implications of your thesis statement – what are the potential counterarguments, and how will you address them? By anticipating opposing viewpoints, you can strengthen your thesis statement and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the subject.

Thesis Statement Example

The increasing prevalence of social media has significantly altered interpersonal communication, leading to both positive and negative consequences. This paper explores the impact of social media on relationships, self-perception, and societal dynamics, arguing that while it fosters connectivity and information-sharing, it also poses challenges such as privacy concerns and the perpetuation of unrealistic standards.

The thesis statement we write have:

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How To Write A Thesis Statement For An Essay

Writing a thesis statement for an essay involves the same fundamental principles as a standard thesis statement, but with a greater emphasis on tailoring it to the specific requirements of the essay. Here are key considerations:

  • Focus On The Essay Guidelines
  • Highlight The Scope Of The Essay

Thesis Statement Example Of An Essay

Considering the transformative role of technology in education, this essay contends that integrating interactive digital tools enhances student engagement and learning outcomes. Examining case studies and educational research will demonstrate how technology, when used judiciously, can positively reshape the educational landscape, fostering a more dynamic and effective learning environment.

How To Write A Thesis Statement For A Research Paper

Writing a thesis statement for a research paper example requires a few additional considerations due to the research nature of the assignment:

  • Incorporate Research Objectives
  • Highlight Research Methodology
  • Acknowledge the Research Gap

Thesis Statement Example Of A Research Paper

This research paper investigates the multifaceted impacts of climate change on global biodiversity, aiming to elucidate specific patterns and vulnerabilities. Using a combination of quantitative analysis and case studies, it seeks to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by identifying critical gaps in understanding the implications of climate change for various ecosystems. By bridging these knowledge gaps, this research endeavours to inform conservation strategies and policies in the face of an evolving climate.

How To Write A Thesis Statement For A Critical Essay

Here are some specific considerations when writing a thesis statement for critical essays.

  • Express Your Critical Evaluation
  • Identify Key Elements for Critique
  • Acknowledge Counterarguments

Critical Essay Thesis Statement Example

In examining the portrayal of gender roles in [Literary Work], this critical essay asserts that while the narrative seemingly adheres to traditional gender norms, a deeper analysis reveals subtle subversions and contradictions. By scrutinizing character dynamics, language use, and narrative structure, this essay aims to evaluate the underlying messages about gender critically. Moreover, it acknowledges counterarguments that may arise from a surface-level reading, providing a better understanding of how the work challenges and reinforces established gender roles.

How To Write A Narrative Essay Thesis Statement

When crafting a thesis statement for a narrative essay, the focus is on expressing the central theme or message of the story. 

  • Emphasize the Central Theme
  • Connect to Personal Experience
  • Highlight the Journey or Transformation

Narrative Essay Thesis Statement Example

In recounting the challenges faced during my year abroad, this narrative essay delves into the transformative power of resilience and self-discovery. Through navigating cultural barriers and personal setbacks, the narrative unfolds a journey from vulnerability to strength, highlighting the profound lessons learned from adversity. This essay not only chronicles my experiences but also underscores the universal theme of human resilience in the face of challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to write a thesis statement.

  • Understand the assignment
  • Identify your topic
  • Do your research
  • Revise and refine

How to write a 3 point thesis statement?

Craft a concise 3-point thesis by clearly stating your main idea on the topic and breaking it down into three specific subpoints. Order these points logically, express them in a clear sentence, and provide a brief preview of each. For example, in an essay on technology’s impact on education: “Digital tools enhance engagement, enable personalized learning, and prepare students for a tech-centric future.”

How to write a thesis statement for an essay?

Compose a focused thesis by clearly stating your main argument or perspective on the topic. Be specific, make it debatable, and provide a roadmap for your essay’s main points. For example, in an essay on climate change: “Rising global temperatures demand urgent action, addressing the complex interplay of human activities, policy changes, and environmental responsibility.”

How to write a thesis statement for a research paper?

Formulate a precise thesis for your research paper by stating the specific objectives, research methodology, and the research gap you aim to address. Clearly express your stance on the topic and outline the paper’s contributions. For instance, in a paper on climate change’s impact: “This research examines the effects of climate change on biodiversity, employing quantitative analysis to fill existing knowledge gaps and inform conservation strategies.”

How to write a thesis statement example?

The rapid rise of social media has reshaped interpersonal communication, presenting both opportunities and challenges. This essay explores the impact of social media on relationships, privacy, and societal dynamics, arguing that while it fosters connectivity, it also necessitates a critical evaluation of its effects on personal and societal well-being.

How to write a good thesis statement for an argumentative essay?

Compose a strong thesis for an argumentative essay by clearly presenting your stance on the issue and the main points that support it. Use specific language, make it debatable, and acknowledge opposing views. For example, in an essay on the importance of vaccination: “Vaccination mandates are crucial for public health, safeguarding communities against preventable diseases and ensuring collective well-being.”

How to write a thesis statement for a critical essay?

Develop a focused thesis for a critical essay by clearly expressing your critical evaluation of the topic. Identify specific elements or themes to critique, acknowledge counterarguments, and emphasize the broader significance of your analysis. For instance, in a critical essay on a literary work: “Examining [Work], this essay critically analyzes its portrayal of [theme], revealing subtle contradictions and societal implications.”

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25 Thesis Statement Examples

25 Thesis Statement Examples

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

Learn about our Editorial Process

thesis statement examples and definition, explained below

A thesis statement is needed in an essay or dissertation . There are multiple types of thesis statements – but generally we can divide them into expository and argumentative. An expository statement is a statement of fact (common in expository essays and process essays) while an argumentative statement is a statement of opinion (common in argumentative essays and dissertations). Below are examples of each.

Strong Thesis Statement Examples

school uniforms and dress codes, explained below

1. School Uniforms

“Mandatory school uniforms should be implemented in educational institutions as they promote a sense of equality, reduce distractions, and foster a focused and professional learning environment.”

Best For: Argumentative Essay or Debate

Read More: School Uniforms Pros and Cons

nature vs nurture examples and definition

2. Nature vs Nurture

“This essay will explore how both genetic inheritance and environmental factors equally contribute to shaping human behavior and personality.”

Best For: Compare and Contrast Essay

Read More: Nature vs Nurture Debate

American Dream Examples Definition

3. American Dream

“The American Dream, a symbol of opportunity and success, is increasingly elusive in today’s socio-economic landscape, revealing deeper inequalities in society.”

Best For: Persuasive Essay

Read More: What is the American Dream?

social media pros and cons

4. Social Media

“Social media has revolutionized communication and societal interactions, but it also presents significant challenges related to privacy, mental health, and misinformation.”

Best For: Expository Essay

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Social Media

types of globalization, explained below

5. Globalization

“Globalization has created a world more interconnected than ever before, yet it also amplifies economic disparities and cultural homogenization.”

Read More: Globalization Pros and Cons

urbanization example and definition

6. Urbanization

“Urbanization drives economic growth and social development, but it also poses unique challenges in sustainability and quality of life.”

Read More: Learn about Urbanization

immigration pros and cons, explained below

7. Immigration

“Immigration enriches receiving countries culturally and economically, outweighing any perceived social or economic burdens.”

Read More: Immigration Pros and Cons

cultural identity examples and definition, explained below

8. Cultural Identity

“In a globalized world, maintaining distinct cultural identities is crucial for preserving cultural diversity and fostering global understanding, despite the challenges of assimilation and homogenization.”

Best For: Argumentative Essay

Read More: Learn about Cultural Identity

technology examples and definition explained below

9. Technology

“Medical technologies in care institutions in Toronto has increased subjcetive outcomes for patients with chronic pain.”

Best For: Research Paper

capitalism examples and definition

10. Capitalism vs Socialism

“The debate between capitalism and socialism centers on balancing economic freedom and inequality, each presenting distinct approaches to resource distribution and social welfare.”

cultural heritage examples and definition

11. Cultural Heritage

“The preservation of cultural heritage is essential, not only for cultural identity but also for educating future generations, outweighing the arguments for modernization and commercialization.”

pseudoscience examples and definition, explained below

12. Pseudoscience

“Pseudoscience, characterized by a lack of empirical support, continues to influence public perception and decision-making, often at the expense of scientific credibility.”

Read More: Examples of Pseudoscience

free will examples and definition, explained below

13. Free Will

“The concept of free will is largely an illusion, with human behavior and decisions predominantly determined by biological and environmental factors.”

Read More: Do we have Free Will?

gender roles examples and definition, explained below

14. Gender Roles

“Traditional gender roles are outdated and harmful, restricting individual freedoms and perpetuating gender inequalities in modern society.”

Read More: What are Traditional Gender Roles?

work-life balance examples and definition, explained below

15. Work-Life Ballance

“The trend to online and distance work in the 2020s led to improved subjective feelings of work-life balance but simultaneously increased self-reported loneliness.”

Read More: Work-Life Balance Examples

universal healthcare pros and cons

16. Universal Healthcare

“Universal healthcare is a fundamental human right and the most effective system for ensuring health equity and societal well-being, outweighing concerns about government involvement and costs.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Universal Healthcare

raising minimum wage pros and cons

17. Minimum Wage

“The implementation of a fair minimum wage is vital for reducing economic inequality, yet it is often contentious due to its potential impact on businesses and employment rates.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Raising the Minimum Wage

homework pros and cons

18. Homework

“The homework provided throughout this semester has enabled me to achieve greater self-reflection, identify gaps in my knowledge, and reinforce those gaps through spaced repetition.”

Best For: Reflective Essay

Read More: Reasons Homework Should be Banned

charter schools vs public schools, explained below

19. Charter Schools

“Charter schools offer alternatives to traditional public education, promising innovation and choice but also raising questions about accountability and educational equity.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Charter Schools

internet pros and cons

20. Effects of the Internet

“The Internet has drastically reshaped human communication, access to information, and societal dynamics, generally with a net positive effect on society.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of the Internet

affirmative action example and definition, explained below

21. Affirmative Action

“Affirmative action is essential for rectifying historical injustices and achieving true meritocracy in education and employment, contrary to claims of reverse discrimination.”

Best For: Essay

Read More: Affirmative Action Pros and Cons

soft skills examples and definition, explained below

22. Soft Skills

“Soft skills, such as communication and empathy, are increasingly recognized as essential for success in the modern workforce, and therefore should be a strong focus at school and university level.”

Read More: Soft Skills Examples

moral panic definition examples

23. Moral Panic

“Moral panic, often fueled by media and cultural anxieties, can lead to exaggerated societal responses that sometimes overlook rational analysis and evidence.”

Read More: Moral Panic Examples

freedom of the press example and definition, explained below

24. Freedom of the Press

“Freedom of the press is critical for democracy and informed citizenship, yet it faces challenges from censorship, media bias, and the proliferation of misinformation.”

Read More: Freedom of the Press Examples

mass media examples definition

25. Mass Media

“Mass media shapes public opinion and cultural norms, but its concentration of ownership and commercial interests raise concerns about bias and the quality of information.”

Best For: Critical Analysis

Read More: Mass Media Examples

Checklist: How to use your Thesis Statement

✅ Position: If your statement is for an argumentative or persuasive essay, or a dissertation, ensure it takes a clear stance on the topic. ✅ Specificity: It addresses a specific aspect of the topic, providing focus for the essay. ✅ Conciseness: Typically, a thesis statement is one to two sentences long. It should be concise, clear, and easily identifiable. ✅ Direction: The thesis statement guides the direction of the essay, providing a roadmap for the argument, narrative, or explanation. ✅ Evidence-based: While the thesis statement itself doesn’t include evidence, it sets up an argument that can be supported with evidence in the body of the essay. ✅ Placement: Generally, the thesis statement is placed at the end of the introduction of an essay.

Try These AI Prompts – Thesis Statement Generator!

One way to brainstorm thesis statements is to get AI to brainstorm some for you! Try this AI prompt:

💡 AI PROMPT FOR EXPOSITORY THESIS STATEMENT I am writing an essay on [TOPIC] and these are the instructions my teacher gave me: [INSTUCTIONS]. I want you to create an expository thesis statement that doesn’t argue a position, but demonstrates depth of knowledge about the topic.

💡 AI PROMPT FOR ARGUMENTATIVE THESIS STATEMENT I am writing an essay on [TOPIC] and these are the instructions my teacher gave me: [INSTRUCTIONS]. I want you to create an argumentative thesis statement that clearly takes a position on this issue.

💡 AI PROMPT FOR COMPARE AND CONTRAST THESIS STATEMENT I am writing a compare and contrast essay that compares [Concept 1] and [Concept2]. Give me 5 potential single-sentence thesis statements that remain objective.

Chris

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the best thesis statements are subtle and mysterious

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Introduction

A good thesis statement should:.

  • Convey the topic and opinion of the essay, as well as the subjects and examples that will be discussed (see Jerz's Topic, Opinion, Blueprint model below)
  • Be approximately 1-2 sentences long, and included in the essay's introductory paragraph

Meme - Wrote a thesis statement, didn't lose focus on my topic

Meme Generator

What is a Blueprint?

A blueprint is simply a set of subtopics that you plan to discuss throughout your essay, likely the subjects of each individual paragraph. 

Here's a tip!

Although we start writing with a general idea of what our thesis will be, it's always helpful to draft the entire essay and then go back and revise your thesis to reflect how your argument really progressed. Revising your thesis after writing a first draft also helps you with your final revision. You will better identify "fluff," places where you go off-topic, as well as ideas that may need further clarification. 

How To Write a Killer Thesis Statement

Bad vs. Good Thesis Statements

Bad thesis statements have:.

  • Nothing to argue
  • No hint about where they’re headed
  • No focus, they’re too broad
  • A long list of information

Good Thesis Statements Have:

  • A clear point of view
  • A detailed blueprint about where the essay is headed
  • Clear and concise form

Ways To Improve

Your thesis takes a position that others might challenge

  • Your thesis statement is specific

If the reader can ask the questions, "So What?" "How?" or "Why?", then you might need to clarify your thesis.

Meme - Thesis vs. Statement

Example Thesis Statements

In his work “Plagiarism is Not a Big Moral Deal,” Fish discusses how plagiarism should be treated in an academic atmosphere, due to the fact that it is often rooted in misunderstanding, a lack of originality, and the exclusivity of academic circles.

This thesis has a topic and blueprint, but is missing an opinion.

In his work, “Plagiarism Is Not a Big Moral Deal,” Fish discusses how plagiarism should not be treated as a moral or philosophical issue, due to the fact that it is often rooted in misunderstanding of the complex rules, a lack of originality as a concept, and the exclusivity of academic circles.

Explanation

This thesis is better because it includes all of the following:

Topic : A discussion of how plagiarism should be treated in an academic atmosphere.

Opinion : Plagiarism is not an issue of morality but rather professionalism.

Blueprint : He argues that plagiarism is often caused by misunderstanding without malicious intent, lack of originality as a concept, and overly complicated rules and systems taught to a few in academic circles. 

Meme - One Does Not Simply Write A Thesis without topic opinion and blueprint

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes include:.

1. Lack of focus and specificity 

2. Jargon (word choice that is exclusive/ hard to understand)

3. Treating your thesis statement like a topic sentence

4. Not adequately representing your claim

Difference Between a Thesis and a Topic Sentence

Thesis statements are 1-2 sentences that assert your opinion and what will be said throughout the entire essay . 

Topic sentences introduce the discussion to follow in a specific paragrap h .  Each must be general enough to express the paragraph’s overall subject, but also specific enough that the reader knows where the paragraph is going. For more information, see Rams Write: Topic Sentences .

Thesis Sentence vs. Topic

Sparknotes: "Thesis Machine Strategy"

The “thesis machine”.

This is a technique my first writing professor taught me. It’s a reliable jumping off point for when you’re just trying to get a thesis down. The pattern’s simple—here’s an example:

Topic: Hufflepuffs

Topic + Position: Hufflepuffs make the best friends

Topic + Position + Rationale  (Think of this as the “because” step): Hufflepuffs make the best friends because they are accepting and loyal.

Topic + Position + Rationale + Qualification  (The “although” step): Although they are often overlooked and considered oddballs, Hufflepuffs make the best friends because of their deep-seated values of loyalty, dedication, and acceptance, all crucial traits in any friendship.

General Guideline for Theses

Jerz's Literary Weblog  offers general guidelines for brainstorming your thesis.

Jerz's Literary Weblog shows up general guidelines for brainstorming your thesis.

This page was created by/ MLA Citations

Kirsten LaCroix, Framingham State U, Class of 2022

Bri Hibbert, Framingham State U, Class of 2022

Spring 2019

Julia Coolidge, Framingham State U, Class of 2022 

Sarah Wheeler, Framingham State U, Class of 2021

Works Cited

"Developing Your Thesis."  Odegaard Writing and Research Center,  2018,  depts.washington.edu/owrc/Handouts/Developing%20Your%20Thesis.pdf .

Harrogate, Kurt. "How to Write a Killer Thesis Statement." Sparknotes Blog , 17 March 2017,  www.sparknotes.com/blog/2017/03/17/how-to-write-a-killer-thesis-statement/ . 

"How to Write a Killer Thesis Statement by Shmoop."  Youtube,  uploaded by Shmoop, 6 September 2013,  www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wxE8R_x5I0 . 

Jerz, Dennis G. and Jordan, Nicci. "Blueprinting: Using the Thesis Paragraph to Plan Your Essay."  Jerz’s Literacy Weblog,  10 June 2015,  jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/academic1/blueprinting-using-the-thesis-paragraph-to-plan-your-essay/ . 

Meme Generator: Create Your Own Meme.  Meme Generator, 2019,  memegenerator.net . 

"Thesis Statements." The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,  2018,  writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/thesis-statements/ .

"Thesis Statement vs. Topic Sentence by Shmoop."  YouTube,  uploaded by Shmoop, 16 July 2013,  www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=236&v=Nx2-PcBzZjo . 

"Writing Tips: Thesis Statements."  University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Center for Writing Students,  2013,  www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/thesis/ .

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45 Best Thesis Statement Examples 2024

A thesis statement is a brief description used in professional or academic writing to explain your position on a given issue or topic.

It’s an important part of a paper or document that communicates your perspective and describes what the rest of your document or essay is about.

Thesis statements usually appear at the beginning of a paper and ideally in the first few paragraphs. Understanding how to craft a good thesis statement will help you create a strong guide for your paper and make your document more compelling.

In this post, we are going to walk you through how to write a persuasive thesis statement and provide some of the best thesis statement examples that you can draw from when creating your own.

Also Read : Best Paraphrasing Tools For Thesis & Research

How to write a good thesis statement?

the best thesis statements are subtle and mysterious

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A well-written thesis statement has to:

Be specific

Your thesis statement should avoid generalizations and include concrete details about the argument you intend to make in the thesis. It shouldn’t just tell people that something happens, it should also tell them how or why it happens.

There is no room for ambiguity in your thesis statement. It should be straightforward and clear.

It has to explain the point you are trying to make in a way that anyone who reads it can easily grasp, so keep your audience in mind when choosing an essay subject or what vocabulary to use in your statement.

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the best thesis statements are subtle and mysterious

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Reveal your position

Can your thesis statement be contested or argued? If the answer is no, then you’ve merely stated the facts of the topic, you have not set out to make an argument in favor or against the topic.

A good thesis statement should show where you stand on the topic. It should be open to debate.

Align with the rest of your paper

Your thesis statement should tell people what to expect from the rest of your paper. So after you are done writing the paper, you need to review it to see if any areas extend beyond the scope of your thesis statement.

You can either rewrite those paragraphs to align with your thesis outline or rewrite your thesis statement to bring it closer to the spirit of your paper.

Worth Checking Out : Zotero vs Mendeley

Best Thesis Statement Examples

1. Research has shown that the use of medical marijuana has been beneficial to veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

It should be legal to prescribe medical marijuana in all states so the veterans who need it can easily access it without consequences. Additional therapy and medical services should also be implemented alongside this to facilitate their reintegration into civilian society.

2. Space exploration is another excuse to fritter away money; rather than spending billions of dollars trying to colonize Mars, the funds should be used to solve issues that are plaguing our planet such as hunger, poverty, traffic congestion, and global warming.

3. A college degree can have a tremendous impact on a person’s life and career trajectory, but attending university immediately after graduating high school may not be the most suitable option for every student.

Some may benefit more from attending trade schools or taking a gap year to consider what they want to do with the next phase of their lives and how they might achieve that.

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4. People should incorporate daily exercise into their routines because it increases their fitness levels, helps them maintain a healthy weight, and reduces their risk of getting high blood pressure.

the best thesis statements are subtle and mysterious

5. The democratization of the internet means that more and more teenagers are using smartphones and accessing social media, which exposes them to cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying is a very stressful experience for many teens and can lead to anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.

To clamp down on the spread and impact of cyberbullying, parents should monitor their teenager’s online activities, limit their usage of smartphones, and report any incidents of cyberbullying to school officials.

6. Negative health consequences like heart disease, liver complications, and weight gain can result from excessive alcohol consumption.

Also Read : Best Easybib Alternatives

7. In a time when physical libraries are going extinct due to the growing influence of digitization, the government should create and fund digital libraries in addition to physical ones to lessen the financial burden of students who are required to purchase pricey e-books.

8. The growing popularity of nationalism and populism in the United States and Europe coincides with the waning of moderate and centrist political parties that have had a stronghold on the corridors of power since World War II.

the best thesis statements are subtle and mysterious

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9. For most people in Antarctica, the cost of healthcare services is unaffordable because of the low average incomes, lack of government-funded clinics and hospitals, and the high prices of essential medications.

10. Although including discussions of consensual sex in sex education classes will likely lead to a reduction in sexual assault, parents have a responsibility to teach their children about consent from a young age using age-appropriate language and lessons.

11. Hiring people from diverse educational, religious, and ethnic backgrounds to strategize and execute human development projects can help improve efficiency and refine the planning of development programs focused on marginalized communities for the better.

Also Read : Best MyBib Alternatives

12. Despite the good intentions upon which it is predicated, the practice of giving foreign aid to nations on the African continent has done more harm than good because it has left African nations vulnerable to corruption, rising inflation, civil unrest, and currency fluctuations.

the best thesis statements are subtle and mysterious

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

13. The results of recent studies have shown a growing interest in healthy products amongst the general public, and Adam’s Beverages should factor in this consideration when going to market with new products and design advertising campaigns that highlight the healthy nature of its products to boost sales numbers.

14. The massive adoption of digitization in response to quarantines and restrictions of movements brought about by COVID-19 and the continued growth of online shopping in the wake of the pandemic might precipitate the permanent shutdown of millions of brick-and-mortar retail outlets.

15. Any unlawful surveillance is an invasion of people’s right to privacy and a breach of their civil liberties. Government surveillance programs like PRISM should be banned on these grounds because they can result in innocent people suffering undue harm or punishment, and they fail to safeguard the very rights and liberties of the people that they are designed to protect.

Check Out : Best Summarizing Tools

16. What constitutes a good and healthy family arrangement in today’s world is diverse and multifaceted, but the U.S. media continues to depict the traditional family as one that is made up of a father, mother, and children.

This conception of the traditional family arrangement is outmoded and can be harmful to young children who are socialized to see it as the gold standard.

the best thesis statements are subtle and mysterious

Photo by Pixabay

17. Although it has been argued that distributing condoms to teenagers means that schools and institutions are encouraging sexual behavior in juveniles, educational institutions should distribute and teach students about birth control in order to reduce sexually transmitted diseases and teen pregnancies.

18. More and more people are choosing to read e-books instead of physical books. The government should allocate funds to digitize libraries and deliver increased resources to support the provision of digital learning devices such as new computers and high-speed internet to enable users to connect remotely and access library books online.

19. Marijuana has a lot of applications in the field of medicine such as the treatment of symptoms of cancer, glaucoma, and epilepsy. The legalization of marijuana use in the United States will be highly beneficial to the medical sector by empowering healthcare professionals to prescribe this lifesaving remedy.

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20. Blue-collar workers whose jobs are disappearing due to global recession, dwindling global demand, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the rise of Chinese manufacturing firms should be retrained to work in the green energy sector to counteract unemployment, minimize environmental pollution, and improve local economies.

the best thesis statements are subtle and mysterious

Photo by Anna Nekrashevich

21. The use of casual clothing in place of uniforms in schools promotes unhealthy competition and leaves students from low-income families vulnerable to mocking, discrimination, bullying, and unhealthy expectations.

Students should be mandated to wear uniforms to minimize their focus on physical appearance and redirect their attention to their studies.

22. A linguistic analysis of various metaphors, similes, and epithets used in Sonnet 5 reveals Shakespeare’s impeccable mastery of the English language.

23. The practice of motivating children to study hard and get good results by paying them when they excel academically is a good way of helping them understand how the real world works. It will enable them to see that if they put in their best effort and do good work, they will reap the rewards that come with it.

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24. Findings from recent studies have shown that there are strong links between a company’s management style and its employees’ level of motivation, productivity, and the general financial wellbeing of the organization.

25. There’s no denying that the fashion industry has come a long way from the weight and shape-obsessed industry where being skinny was promoted as the ideal body type.

However, it is yet to completely shed its unhealthy notions of what the female body should be. It still needs to be more deliberate about promoting diversity and a healthy image of the body.

the best thesis statements are subtle and mysterious

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26. Bullfighting is a barbaric practice that should be banned because it is highly dangerous for both participants and observers and a brutal sport that violates the rights of animals and subjects them to grievous harm simply for entertainment.

27. More companies should embrace the work from home movement to gain access to a bigger and more diverse pipeline of qualified candidates and help their workers increase productivity, achieve better work-life balance, improve happiness and satisfaction, and ultimately generate more value for the business.

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28. University athletes should receive payment for their services to the institution. Many student-athletes tend to hail from lower-income families and are servicing their tuition with the help of scholarships.

Devising a compensation plan for them will improve their mental and physical well-being and enable them to devote more time and effort to their studies and athletic endeavors.

29. People should exercise greater care and diligence when sharing details about their lives online or on social media because their personal information can easily be used inappropriately or handed over to a third party without their knowledge or permission.

30. Adolescents cannot fully appreciate the negative impacts of fast food and sugary drinks on their health. Schools should undertake the responsibility of developing educational programs to help students understand the value of building healthy eating habits.

the best thesis statements are subtle and mysterious

Photo by Julia M Cameron

31. Codes of conduct should be created and mandatory for newly established developments and communities as they are instrumental to improving safety, raising community involvement, and increasing the value of homes in the area.

32. Tabitha Stevens and Wendell Mouritz both consider assault to be an unsolicited expression, but this is where the similarities in their viewpoints end. They hold contrasting ideas in several other positions, which causes the scholars to have different outlooks in their examination of sexual assault and harassment cases.

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33. Increasing the taxes of cigarette companies is tantamount to taxing the poorest citizens who will have to pay increased prices for their smokes. It won’t do much to deter them from buying and smoking cigarettes.

The government will see more success from creating educational programs targeting low-income earners and teaching them about the harmful effects of smoking.

34. Standardized tests and examinations are not very effective at measuring the skills and knowledge of students. As such, tests and exams should be banned and institutions of learning should devise alternative methods of evaluating students’ knowledge, abilities, and cognitive skills.

35. This paper shows a correlation between adopting hiring and personality tests in the recruitment process and a reduction in employer turnover using Atika Corporation, Wembley Group of Industries, and Biolot Inc as case studies. It makes a case for why large organizations should incorporate personality tests into their hiring strategies.

the best thesis statements are subtle and mysterious

36. To the casual eye, bats and bears do not seem to have much in common, but upon closer examination, these creatures share markedly similar species classifications and hibernation.

37. We live in the golden age of information, where data is more available and accessible than it’s ever been. However, the internet is rife with misinformation so students need to be taught digital literacy skills so they can evaluate the content they are consuming and determine whether it is accurate and reliable or a piece of propaganda or misleading information.

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38. Considering pet breeders routinely engage in unlawful and ethical business practices and the ever-increasing number of homeless animals being kept in shelters, people should not buy pets from breeders. They should consider adopting animals directly from shelters instead.

39. Normal People written by Sally Rooney offers a vivid portrayal of how class differences and social structure can shape a person’s life, stitch the fabric of their insecurities, influence the ways they communicate and interact with others both in and out of their social class, and ultimately inform their actions or inactions.

40. Early education centers are key caregivers and teachers for preschool-age children. They should endeavor to provide them with school preparedness training with a focus on helping them develop letter and number recognition, gross and fine motor skills, and adequate social skills.

the best thesis statements are subtle and mysterious

41. Although studying abroad is an expensive option for many, the opportunity to discover a whole new world, interact with various cultures, and experience a different approach to learning makes the prospect worth it for those who can afford it.

42. When it comes to the issue of children having access to social media, there are two sides to the debate. The supporters believe that social media does not harm children but instead exposes them to see the world beyond their corners of the earth.

On the other hand, the dissenters think that children shouldn’t be allowed to use social media because it distorts reality and creates false expectations.

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43. Due to dwindling theater ticket sales and the rise in available streaming platforms, film production companies should adapt to the changing times and adopt techniques that allow for optimal viewing of movies on all platforms.

44. Through a close reading of “Honor” by Elif Shafak and “White Teeth” by Zadie Smith, this paper will examine the similarities and differences in both novels in terms of plot, setting, themes, characters, and points of view to determine whether the resemblances in the novels rise to the point of plagiarism.

45. The airing of beauty pageants on television should be banned because despite their intentions of empowering and supporting women, the practice of parading contestants around in obscene clothes and judging them based on their appearance contradicts their proclaimed motives.

A strong thesis statement means your paper is off to a good start. Not only will it help in improving the content of your essay, it will also allow readers to grasp the core purpose of your paper at a glance and encourage them to keep reading.

These thesis statements should give you an idea of how to better refine the description for your thesis in a way that fully captures the idea you want to express.

the best thesis statements are subtle and mysterious

Tom loves to write on technology, e-commerce & internet marketing. I started my first e-commerce company in college, designing and selling t-shirts for my campus bar crawl using print-on-demand. Having successfully established multiple 6 & 7-figure e-commerce businesses (in women’s fashion and hiking gear), I think I can share a tip or 2 to help you succeed.

COMMENTS

  1. How to Write a Thesis Statement

    Step 1: Start with a question. You should come up with an initial thesis, sometimes called a working thesis, early in the writing process. As soon as you've decided on your essay topic, you need to work out what you want to say about it—a clear thesis will give your essay direction and structure.

  2. spch 1315 quiz 1-10

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  3. Strong Thesis Statements

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  4. How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement: 4 Steps + Examples

    Step 4: Revise and refine your thesis statement before you start writing. Read through your thesis statement several times before you begin to compose your full essay. You need to make sure the statement is ironclad, since it is the foundation of the entire paper. Edit it or have a peer review it for you to make sure everything makes sense and ...

  5. 5.1: Developing a Strong, Clear Thesis Statement

    A thesis statement is often one sentence long, and it states your point of view. The thesis statement is not the topic of the piece of writing but rather what you have to say about that topic and what is important to tell readers. Table 5.1 "Topics and Thesis Statements" compares topics and thesis statements.

  6. How to write a thesis statement + Examples

    It is a brief statement of your paper's main argument. Essentially, you are stating what you will be writing about. Organize your papers in one place. Try Paperpile. No credit card needed. Get 30 days free. You can see your thesis statement as an answer to a question. While it also contains the question, it should really give an answer to the ...

  7. How to Write a Thesis Statement

    Magic Thesis Statement (MTS) The Magic Thesis Statement helps you translate your argument into a well-worded thesis. It serves as a checklist to make sure you have all the necessary elements of a good essay: evidence, original argument, stakes. Most thesis statements that can fit in the MTS also exhibit the characteristics discussed above.

  8. Creating a Thesis Statement, Thesis Statement Tips

    An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience.; An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience.; An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence. The claim could be an opinion, a policy proposal, an ...

  9. PDF Thesis Statements

    thesis statement, and it serves as a summary of the argument you'll make in the rest of your paper. What is a thesis statement? A thesis statement: tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under discussion. is a road map for the paper; in other words, it tells the reader what to expect from the rest of ...

  10. Academic Guides: Writing a Paper: Thesis Statements

    The thesis statement is the brief articulation of your paper's central argument and purpose. You might hear it referred to as simply a "thesis." Every scholarly paper should have a thesis statement, and strong thesis statements are concise, specific, and arguable. Concise means the thesis is short: perhaps one or two sentences for a shorter paper.

  11. The Writing Center

    A thesis statement is: The statement of the author's position on a topic or subject. Clear, concise, and goes beyond fact or observation to become an idea that needs to be supported (arguable). Often a statement of tension, where the author refutes or complicates an existing assumption or claim (counterargument).

  12. How To Write a Thesis Statement: Effective & Expert Tips

    Wondering how to write a thesis statement? Our guided tips can help. Dictionary Thesaurus Sentences Grammar ... but it can take a little time and practice to really figure out a good thesis. Often, the best way to get better at theses is to write more essays and maybe look at some examples of thesis statements, ...

  13. Thesis Statement: Definition, Examples, and Tips

    A Thesis Statement: Describes how you interpret the subject matter's cause, significance, and results. Is a guideline for the paper. In other words, it provides an understanding of the research topic. Directly answers the question you are asked. The thesis is not the question itself but an interpretation of it.

  14. PDF COM 5 Thesis Statements

    Remember, your thesis statement is different from the topic itself. For example, the topic of your paper might be "Running" or even "Why People Should Run." Your thesis statement, however, will present an argument about running and explain the significance. There are two types of thesis statements, blueprint and umbrella. • A ...

  15. Creating a Clear Thesis Statement

    Avoid using first-person perspective in a thesis statement. Create a concise thesis statement that is ideally one sentence long. Include a main statement and at least three key ideas to form the thesis statement. Detailed Explanation. For starters, it is important to note that a thesis statement may take different forms depending on the type of ...

  16. Craft a Powerful Thesis Statement: Guide & Examples 2024

    Step 4: Write a thesis statement. The next step is to craft a debatable and compelling thesis statement. You should avoid unclear and lengthy statements because they don't provide any clear direction or information to reader. Here are some thesis statement examples: Non-Debatable Statements: The Earth is round.

  17. 9.4: Argumentative Thesis Statements

    Debatable. An argumentative thesis must make a claim about which reasonable people can disagree. Statements of fact or areas of general agreement cannot be argumentative theses because few people disagree about them. Let's take a look at an example: BAD: Junk food is bad for your health. This is not a debatable thesis.

  18. How to Write a Thesis Statement

    Step 2: Do Your Research. A strong thesis statement will be clear and specific, and it will be later supported by evidence from your research. You won't be able to write a statement like this until you do your research. The research will look different depending on your task.

  19. How To Write A Thesis Statement That Grabs Attention

    Step 3: Do Your Research. Research is the backbone of any well-crafted thesis statement. You need it to write the entire paper and your literature review. Take a look into academic journals, books, online databases, and other reputable sources to gather information and evidence that supports your chosen topic.

  20. 25 Thesis Statement Examples (2024)

    Strong Thesis Statement Examples. 1. School Uniforms. "Mandatory school uniforms should be implemented in educational institutions as they promote a sense of equality, reduce distractions, and foster a focused and professional learning environment.". Best For: Argumentative Essay or Debate. Read More: School Uniforms Pros and Cons.

  21. Thesis Statements

    Thesis statements are 1-2 sentences that assert your opinion and what will be said throughout the entire essay. Topic sentences introduce the discussion to follow in a specific paragrap h . Each must be general enough to express the paragraph's overall subject, but also specific enough that the reader knows where the paragraph is going.

  22. 45 Best Thesis Statement Examples 2024

    Best Thesis Statement Examples. 1. Research has shown that the use of medical marijuana has been beneficial to veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It should be legal to prescribe medical marijuana in all states so the veterans who need it can easily access it without consequences.

  23. How to Write a Thesis Statement in 4 Steps

    How to Write a Thesis Statement in 4 Steps. If you produce a solid thesis statement to kick off an argumentative essay or piece of academic writing, you instantly frame the objective for yourself as a writer and for your audience as readers. By learning how to write a thesis statement, you will rapidly advance your pedigree as an academic ...